Last week local charity, Possability People, was forced to close the city’s only disability advice service after the local health body, the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) announced a sudden cut in funding. The shock decision was communicated to Possability People in a letter signed by both Brighton and Hove City Council and the CCG. The letter gave just three weeks’ notice that funding was coming to an abrupt end, and concluded that the council ‘understands’ the position of the CCG.

This week Green councillors have published our response to the city’s blueprint for development, City Plan Part Two. This plan builds on the strategic vision in City Plan Part One and sets out what sort of built environment we want in the future. As important is how the city preserves and enhances those things that make Brighton and Hove a fantastic place to live.

So much for the much-hailed end of austerity. The Chancellor’s budget on Monday meant only one thing: offering nothing more than sticking plasters after a vicious assault, Brighton and Hove’s communities will go on bearing the brunt of the Conservative government’s cuts.

Greens remain consistent in our opposition to Brexit and we still need to know how Brexit will affect our city’s communities and businesses. With the latest news that a ‘no deal’ outcome would bankrupt 1 in 10 UK firms and a government minister appointed to oversee ‘protection of food supplies,’ we believe Brexit will be a disaster for our city and country.

Next weekend is Pride: one of the biggest in the city’s calendar as we come together to celebrate our LGBT community. As we did for Trans Pride last weekend, Greens will once again march with all those who stand up for equality and liberation.

This week has been an unedifying fiasco for all in politics: a government in chaos, the official opposition sitting on the fence. With less than months until the proposed ‘exit’ date from the European Union we are no clearer about what it will mean for our city, residents or the country. It’s those of us left at the sharp end of government decisions – or indecisions – at council level who will, as ever, pay the price.